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Pfizer Inc. recently donated over $175,000 in science equipment to the ÂÌñÒùÆÞ Science and Math Division. This gift recognizes our strong tradition of science education and commitment to training future doctors, dentists, nurses, engineers, and other technical professionals.

Sr. Katrina Hartman, chair of the ÂÌñÒùÆÞ chemistry department, selected the following equipment:


Agilent 1100 Series Autosampler Uv Detectors (3)

High Performance Liquid Chromatography is a popular method of analysis because it is easy to learn and use and is not limited by the volatility or stability of the sample compound. HPLC has many applications including separation, identification, purification, and quantification of various compounds.

Here at Aquinas, we would use these instruments in several different classes. In CY 345, Instrumental Analysis, the theory of operations will be thoroughly discussed and experiments preformed to exemplify the theory both qualitatively and quantitatively. In CY 211/212 (Organic chemistry), the instruments will be used to determine the purity of a synthesis (separating the main product from impurities and side products). In CY 325 (Biochemistry), it will be used to separate sugar solutions and identify sugars/flavanoids/nucleotides. The instruments will also be used in research projects. These are versatile instruments.


HP 6850 Gas Chromatographs

Gas Chromatography is somewhat similar to HPLC but differs in that the components to be separated must be volatile, that is easily promoted to the gas phase. This technique works well for groups of compounds like smaller alcohols, esters, hydrocarbons as in gasoline. Since it is used widely in industrial chemistry and research, student chemists need to have a ease in working with the instrument.


Leica Digital Microscope

This digital microscope will allow biology professors and their students to take pictures of their work on slides and transfer them to computer programs for further study. Pictures of chromosomes and DNA analysis results will stored for further study and use.


Miscellaneous

Smaller items were donated as well, such as water baths (to maintain constant temperatures), pH meters (to measure acidity), gas generators, a rotary evaporator or rotovap (to evaporate solvents under low pressure), de-ionizers (remove ions from water to get distilled quality water), small hot plates and stir plates, and glassware such as beakers, flasks, bottles for the HPLC.